Antioch officials cut ribbon during Grand Re-Opening of improved Jacobsen Park
Almost $700,000 spent on renovations
By Allen D. Payton
City of Antioch officials held a Grand Re-Opening of the renovated Jacobsen Park in the northeast part of town Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2026. Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, City Clerk Michael Mandy, Parks and Recreation Commissioners including Chari Dorothy Ellis, , Recreation Director Shahad Wright, Public Works Director Scott Buenting and other City staff were joined by children and residents from the nearby neighborhoods to cut the ribbon.
As Bernal welcomed those in attendance and thanked City staff for their work on it, and Wright who thanked “the Public Works team” for their “support and dedication” and gave “a shout out to Buenting,” children enjoyed climbing on the play structure. Following the ceremony, adults and youth played basketball in the nearby half-court. Wright also acknowledged former Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger, who is now the City’s Information Systems Director, for initially leading the effort for the renovations.
Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Domonique King, spoke on behalf of Congressman Josh Harder as his District Representative. “It is an honor to be here and celebrate the ribbon cutting of Jacobsen Park. If you know the Congressman, if he could be here, he definitely would be here, especially as he has two young girls who would have loved to enjoy this park, today. Congratulations and hope this park continues to be the center of the community that surrounds it.” Harder doesn’t currently represent portions of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives but is running for re-election in the newly drawn district.
According to the City, “A vintage neighborhood park received a much-welcomed makeover. Jacobsen Park’s many renovations and additions were revealed on Friday afternoon to an appreciative group of families from the Garrow Estates neighborhood.
“At one point in the 1960s this park, one of the oldest in Antioch, had a decommissioned front portion of a jet as its centerpiece attraction. Long-time residents still lovingly refer to this area as ‘Jet Park’.” Wright said children played on the jet.
“Jacobsen Park is now sure to offer new warm memories as was evident by the many children enjoying the newly installed play area.”
Approved by the City Council on August 27, 2024, the work by Frontline General Engineering Construction, Inc. of San Lorenzo was budgeted at a total of $695,830.55 and involved a full renovation of the existing park, including:
- Clearing, grubbing and grading
- Landscaping and irrigation facilities
- Removal and installation of concrete flatwork
- Basketball court rehabilitation
- Hardscaping
- Installation of underground utilities
- Site furnishings and shade structures
- Traffic control measures
- Water pollution control
The play area has a rubberized flooring that offers a significant cushion when stepped on, and one shade structure includes a barbeque pit.
“This has been a project that’s been under works for a little while,” Buenting shared. “It’s a good example of when our departments come together working through our operations and the Parks and Rec Department to get it designed and then get it built. On our side within the Capital Improvements department Nicky Cruz was out here, daily, with these crews making sure the work was done properly as our inspector, as well as our team of engineers, Mitchell Loving, (Assistant Engineer) Robert Pizarro and Paul Fuentes all had some involvement in this project.”
“I think it turned out great,” Buenting continued. “I’m super excited about the attendance that we had today. Thank you all for coming.”
Jacobsen Park is located near Jacobsen Street & Azevedo Street.
“Thanks to all who attended this grand opening and much appreciation to the many City of Antioch crews who made it come to life,” the City added.
the attachments to this post:
P&R Commissioners City officials Jacobsen Park
Basketball court Jacobsen Park
Scott Buenting Shahad Wright & Domonique King speak at Jacobsen Park GORC 082126
Play structure, area & lawn Jacobsen Park
Jacobsen Park Ribbon Cutting after 082126
